Oyo State government, on Tuesday, unveiled agenda to organise a three-day food festival tagged “Amala fiesta” also known as “Ajodun Oka”, which will hold from December 15 to 17 at the Trans Amusement Park, Bodija, Ibadan, from 9:00a.m. daily.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, while addressing newsmen at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Arulogun disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with Tourist Care Hospitality Association of Nigeria (TCHAN), Ministry of Local Government, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Oyo State Chapter and Canteen Owners Association of Nigeria.
He also unveiled the fiesta logo which he described as a “summation of our food heritage and culture” and Gboyega Olatunji as Amala Ambassador.
According to Arulogun, “Amala represents the homogenous nature of our people. It represents the culture of our people, health of our people and wealth of our people. Indeed, Amala is the number one food brand of the Yoruba race to the extent that even the politics of the South-West was named “Amala Politics.”
“Amala fiesta, also known as “Ajodun Oka”, is not just a food and cultural tourism event but a celebration of the Yoruba food culture and Oyo State’s foremost delicacy which has become a national pride with international presence and worldwide acceptance.
Arulogun further disclosed that the highlights of the fiesta are food competition, cultural displays, musical concerts, food, edibles and agricultural exhibitions, comedy and raffle draw.
The commissioner further informed that the state ministry is open to more collaborators and seek partnership of more brands, “especially those in the food, edibles and beverages sector.”